Traffic movement on the busy Otedola Bridge along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway was brought to a halt on Saturday after two fully loaded container trucks were involved in an early-morning accident. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) announced that the bridge was temporarily closed to allow for safe recovery of the trucks and to prevent further danger to road users.
In a video update released on Saturday, LASTMA confirmed that the closure became necessary due to ongoing recovery operations at the scene. According to the agency, heavy-duty equipment had been deployed to remove the trucks, making it unsafe for vehicles to pass through the bridge during the operation.
“Recovery of the two loaded 20-foot container trucks is currently in progress,” LASTMA said. “The bridge has been shut to traffic to enable safe operations, and there is no vehicular movement at the scene.”
The accident reportedly occurred at about 6:30 a.m. when one of the container trucks overturned on the bridge inward Secretariat. The crash caused serious traffic congestion that stretched from the Berger area towards the Oke axis, leaving many motorists stranded for hours.
Although details of how the second truck became involved were not immediately clear, eyewitnesses said the situation quickly worsened as the overturned truck blocked a large portion of the bridge. Traffic officers were forced to stop vehicles from entering the area to avoid further accidents.
LASTMA said its officers were promptly deployed to the scene to manage traffic, secure the area, and coordinate the evacuation of the affected trucks. The authority explained that the use of a high-capacity crane and flatbed trucks was required due to the size and weight of the containers.
“The operation involves heavy-duty equipment, including a crane and flatbed trucks, to ensure the safe removal of the vehicles,” the agency added.
Otedola Bridge is one of the most important transport links in Lagos, connecting motorists travelling between the mainland, the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, and other major parts of the city. The bridge handles thousands of vehicles daily, including private cars, commercial buses, and heavy trucks.
In recent years, the bridge has recorded several accidents involving fuel tankers and container trucks, raising concerns about road safety and the movement of heavy-duty vehicles in densely populated areas. Some of these past incidents resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property, making any accident on the bridge a major concern for authorities and residents.
Following Saturday’s crash, LASTMA advised motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes to reduce congestion and ensure their safety. Drivers heading towards Lagos from the Ibadan end of the expressway were urged to plan their journeys carefully.
According to the traffic authority, motorists can divert from the Redeem Camp or Kara axis through Ogunusi Road, proceed to Omole Junction, connect to Agidingbi Road, and continue their journeys from there.
Traffic experts say such diversions are necessary during major recovery operations, but they also warned that surrounding roads could experience increased traffic as a result. Motorists were therefore advised to be patient and follow the instructions of traffic officers on duty.
LASTMA reassured the public that its officials remained on ground to manage traffic and speed up the clearance process. The agency said all necessary steps were being taken to reopen the bridge as soon as possible.
“Our officers are fully on ground to control traffic and ensure that the recovery process is completed quickly and safely,” LASTMA said. “We urge motorists to exercise patience and caution while the work continues.”
No casualties were reported as of the time of filing this report, but the accident once again highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety of container trucks and other heavy vehicles on Lagos roads. In the past, the Lagos State Government has introduced several measures aimed at reducing accidents involving trucks, including restrictions on movement during certain hours and enforcement of safety rules.